One thing is for sure: It is a special gift for Travellers

Surely every school child has heard the story of Saint Christopher - the man who carried Christ across the river with the weight of the whole world on his shoulders.

According to the legend, Christopher was a giant of a man of over 7 feet tall and with a fearsome face. While serving the king of Canaan, he took it into his head to go and serve "the greatest king there ever was". Ultimately this led him to Christianity and he decided to work in the 'service' of Christ. Because of his size and strength Christopher ended up carrying out this task by helping people cross a dangerous river.

After Christopher had performed this service for some time, a little child asked him to take him across the river - which was situated near Lycia in Asia Minor. During the crossing, the river became swollen and the child seemed as heavy as lead, so much so that Christopher could scarcely carry him and found himself in great difficulty. When he finally reached the other side, he said to the child: "You have put me in the greatest danger. I do not think the whole world could have been as heavy on my shoulders as you were." The child replied: "You had on your shoulders not only the whole world but Him who made it. I am Christ your king, whom you are serving by this work." The child then vanished.

And so, when he was beatified, St Christopher became the patron Saint of travellers.

But St.Christopher is also widely popular amongst athletes, mariners, and ferrymen, as well as being the patron Saint of many cities.

For this reason, an amulet or talisman depicting St Christopher is a popular jewellery present gifted to a traveller friend or loved-one who is setting off on a journey. It is thought that St. Christopher will protect people on their trip.